The Natchez (Mississippi) Democrat has a simplistic-yet-interesting article, by way of the AP, about the effects of rising gas prices on teen driving habits. Whereas most adults tend to think of a carpool as a workplace-oriented mode of transportation, it seems that the kids these days–because of gas prices–are carpooling to and from social activities and embracing it as a necessary part of affording to go out and do stuff (so to speak).
As 18-year-old Portia Washington (not to be confused with Port Washington (NY) explains, “we limit our outings to one or two cars…[.]“
Portia also shared her tactical approach to, er, spending less on gas: she fills her tank halfway so as to save a little coin for “a blouse or … a burger or a pizza…[.]“ Of course, the reporter didn’t ask Miss P-Dub what she might do when, say, she’s put the blouse on, consumed the burger (and/or pizza) and then realizes she’s out of gas because she only filled half the tank. But perhaps P-Dub dips into her savings, as ever since gas hit $3 a gallon, she’s been charging her friends gas money for a Portia ride.
And then there’s the D-Train. Derek Elsey, also 18 and a recent high school grad whose summer job has him (a) driving 60 miles a day back and forth in his ’00 Mazda and (b) spending about $230 a month on gas.
Not cool.
‘‘It’s putting a strain on my paycheck,’’ Elsey said. ‘‘I’ve cut back on a lot of social activities. …I haven’t shopped since I’ve been working. I’ve been saving and paying for gas…[.] …I plan to walk a lot, and I’ll have to make cutbacks on a lot of social activities that require driving…[.] …No more sightseeing.’’
No more sightseeing (until, perhaps, the Elsey Family Grand Canyon Vacation) but perhaps a lifelong commitment to a more responsible approach to personal transport? Only time will tell if Portia and D-Train are part of Generation C.
